UGANDA, Karamoja | Real Muloodi News | The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is progressing towards the installation of two weighbridges in the Karamoja Sub-region later this year.
These weighbridges, procured by the government three years ago, have remained unused due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
David Ssebagala, Senior Inspector of Mines at the ministry, has outlined plans for the installation, specifying the locations as Lorengechora town council along the Moroto-Soroti Road, and Bulambuli Town Council along the Moroto-Mbale Road.
Ssebagala emphasises the crucial role of these facilities in controlling excessive tonnage and protecting the region’s roads from damage caused by overloaded trucks.
He highlights the need for specific tonnage limits to be enforced for transportation, citing instances of under-declared revenue from investors in the sub-region.
Regarding land acquisition for the installation sites, Ssebagala states that the ministry is in the final stages of acquiring land along the designated routes.
Gerald Eneku, the Karamoja Inspector of Mines, has confirmed plans for additional weighbridge installations to address the issue of drivers evading regulatory measures.
Sub-county chairperson Joseph Otita has expressed support for the initiative, noting its potential to enhance resilience in the sub-region and mitigate revenue losses that could otherwise support impoverished families.
Background information reveals that gold mining has been prevalent in Karamoja since 1982, initially beginning with the discovery of alluvial deposits in Nakiloro, Moroto District, and subsequently expanding to other areas such as Kaabong and Loyoro.
Jackson Angella, an opinion leader, acknowledges the positive economic impact of gold mining on the local community.
Additionally, mining activities diversified in 2000 with Tororo Cement Industry acquiring mining occupancy in Kosiroi, Tapac Sub County, Moroto District.
Several other companies, including Sunbelt, Sunbird, and Ateker Cemlisent, have also estabhed mining operations in the region, focusing on minerals such as marble and limestone.
However, the absence of weighbridges has posed challenges in royalty remittance, leaving regulatory enforcement dependent on goodwill.
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